The Chicago White Sox still need to figure out who they will start at second base this season. A player that could potentially be a great option is about to hit the open market, and the Sox will have a chance to add him on the cheap.
Thursday, the San Francisco Giants released Tommy La Stella, after designating him for assignment in December. Once La Stella passes through waivers, he will be a free agent that any club can sign, and the Giants will pick up the remaining $11.5 million on his contract.
After a very productive 2019 and 2020, La Stella signed a three-year deal with the Giants. He slashed .289/.356/.827 over the 2019 and 2020 seasons. La Stella got off to a strong start in 2021, before sustaining a hamstring injury.
Last season, Josh Harrison started a majority of the White Sox' games at second base. Nick Madrigal looked to be the long-term second baseman for the club, but the Sox dealt him and Codi Heuer to the Chicago Cubs for Craig Kimbrel prior to the 2021 MLB trade deadline.
Last season, the White Sox struck gold on a minor league contract the club signed Johnny Cueto too. Could La Stella be 2023's great find for the team? He would only cost the league minimum, with the Giants paying out the remainder of his deal. Like La Stella, Cueto last played for the Giants, before joining the Sox.
La Stella has one of the lowest strikeout rates in Major League Baseball. From 2016 through 2020, he got on base at a clip of .358. The Sox finished 18th in OBP in 2022 and need a second baseman. La Stella might be a great fit, if the club does not trade for Madrigal.
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